A Seamless Alfresco Sanctuary: Studio Minosa’s Award-Winning Vaucluse Outdoor Kitchen of the Year
Michelle Thompson
October 16, 2025
CREDITS
Design Studio Minosa
Island Bench Pietra Di Savoia Grigia and Fokos Sale
Wall Cladding Fokos Sale
Stylist Simona Castagna
Photographer Nicole England
Studio Minosa has built a reputation for creating spaces that are both timeless and deeply personal—where every detail is considered and every element feels like it belongs. Their Vaucluse Residence project is a masterclass in design restraint and harmony: a luxurious alfresco retreat that flows effortlessly between the home and its surrounding landscape.
This award-winning outdoor kitchen and entertaining space is not just beautiful; it’s functional, versatile, and tailored to the rhythm of everyday life. With breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour, a refined material palette, and thoughtful integration of Laminam porcelain, the design feels as though it has always been part of the home.
We spoke with Darren Genner, co-founder of Studio Minosa, to learn more about the inspiration, materials, and meticulous design process behind this remarkable project.
Project Vision & Inspiration
Q: Can you tell us about the design brief for the Vaucluse Residence? What was the vision the clients had for their home?
The clients’ brief was simple in its clarity yet highly nuanced in execution: they wanted an alfresco space that felt as though it had always been part of their home. The vision was to create a design that integrated seamlessly with the architecture and landscape, making the outdoors as considered and functional as the interiors.
It needed to balance intimacy and scale—a place for quiet, personal rituals like a sunrise coffee, while also accommodating large gatherings for family and friends as the sun set over Sydney Harbour.
Q: How did the home’s original architecture influence your design approach?
Working with the existing architecture meant every decision had to be deeply respectful of the home’s language and forms. The way the building sits in the landscape, its material honesty, and its sculptural ceiling details informed our approach at every level.
Our goal was not to compete with this architecture but to add to its narrative, ensuring our design felt like a continuation of what was already there. Every new element—whether a ceiling junction or a piece of joinery—had to appear inevitable.
Q: What was your inspiration for creating such a serene, nature-connected alfresco space?
The inspiration came from the setting itself. With panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline, the design needed to feel calm and grounded—a serene counterpoint to the drama of the vista.
Natural materials, open zoning, and a restrained palette allowed the architecture and landscape to remain the heroes, with the alfresco space acting as the quiet bridge between the two.
Laminam & Material Selection
Q: What role did Laminam play in this project, and why did you choose it?
Materiality was critical for a space so exposed to the elements. Laminam porcelain played a central role, offering the durability required for outdoor living while delivering the refinement this project demanded. It allowed us to create a kitchen and amenities area that felt sculptural and monolithic, while performing under intense use and environmental exposure.
Q: Were there any key properties of Laminam that made it the ideal material for this alfresco space?
Absolutely. Its large-format sizing meant we could wrap surfaces seamlessly, even concealing drawers so they appeared as part of a continuous bench face—a touch of hidden, James Bond-level sophistication.
Its UV stability, waterproof nature, and resistance to staining ensured the space would maintain its integrity in Australia’s harsh outdoor conditions.
Q: How did Laminam’s aesthetic qualities contribute to the overall design story of the Vaucluse Residence?
Visually, Laminam provided the perfect counterbalance to the slatted timber elements and the natural stone. Its subtle surface tone complemented the home’s architecture while adding depth and quiet luxury.
This harmony of materials was key to making the alfresco area feel like it had always been part of the home, never an addition.
Functionality & Lifestyle
Q: The alfresco space is both luxurious and highly functional. How did you achieve this balance?
The answer was zoning. We divided the area into distinct but interconnected spaces: an outdoor kitchen, a dining zone for 10, a lounge area, a pool, and a fully serviced amenities block. This allows the space to adapt effortlessly, whether it’s a single person enjoying a quiet morning coffee or a large group celebrating under the stars.
The kitchen’s island configuration encourages interaction, creating a natural gathering point for guests. Meanwhile, casual seating for six was designed to feel airy and intimate when used alone, yet generous enough to accommodate family and friends.
While this home is undeniably luxurious—with waterfront views, expansive scale, and breathtaking architecture—we believe real luxury lies in tailoring spaces to suit the client’s life. Every decision was made to envelop their lifestyle, from their daily rituals to their moments of celebration, and to tie these needs back to good, purposeful design. In this home, great design is everywhere, not just in the statement pieces, but in the quiet details that make living here effortless and deeply personal.
Q: What design elements were most important to the homeowners for entertaining and day-to-day living?
The most important consideration was ensuring the space felt just as comfortable with one person as it did with many. Given the incredible location and sweeping harbour vistas, this alfresco area needed to accommodate large gatherings, yet never feel overwhelming or empty when used for quiet, personal moments.
The custom slatted timber servery, crafted from the same timber used throughout the home, was designed to filter light beautifully and feel visually light, while serving as a central functional feature of the alfresco kitchen. It connects seamlessly to the rest of the home’s architectural story, ensuring continuity and cohesion.
For larger gatherings, integrated features such as a plumbed coffee machine, Zip tap, fridge drawer, and concealed sink transform the space into a complete entertainer’s hub. On game days, a dedicated TV zone ensures the area adapts seamlessly, equally suited to relaxed family time or high-energy social occasions
Q: How do you approach designing spaces that integrate seamlessly with their natural surroundings?
The approach was one of refined simplicity. By working with the gardens and their natural colours, respecting the existing architectural lines, and ensuring that any new materials aligned perfectly with the home’s original palette, we were able to create a space that felt as if it had always been there.
This restraint in material selection was key to creating harmony. Nothing feels added or out of place, allowing the alfresco area to blend seamlessly with both the house and landscape. The result is a space that feels inevitable—timeless, natural, and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Awards & Recognition
Q: This project has already won multiple awards—what do you think sets it apart in the industry?
While the details are incredibly important, what truly sets this project apart is its connection to people and place. From the outset, our goal was to design a space that didn’t just sit alongside the architecture but felt like it had always belonged there, becoming a natural extension of the home’s original vision. We believe the success lies in how deeply we listened to and understood our clients. Their lifestyle, daily rituals, and aspirations became the foundation of every decision. By interpreting their brief with care and empathy, we were able to create an alfresco space that feels both personal and timeless.
This seamless integration—of architecture, landscape, and human experience—is what elevates the design beyond aesthetics. It’s not just a beautiful space; it’s a place where life happens effortlessly.
Q: How do accolades like KBDi Outdoor Kitchen of the Year reflect the quality and innovation of your work?
Winning the KBDi Outdoor Kitchen of the Year, ACFA Best Alfresco Project, and the prestigious Australian Certified Designer of the Year award is both humbling and incredibly rewarding.
These accolades highlight our belief that innovation comes from listening to our clients, pushing the boundaries of materials, and designing spaces that genuinely enhance the way people live.
Both Simona and I are fortunate to lead a remarkable team who share our passion for excellence. While the awards may carry our names, they are truly a Studio Minosa achievement. Every project is a collective effort, and these recognitions are a testament to our team’s dedication to craft, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to detail. We simply couldn’t do what we do without their skill, creativity, and relentless pursuit of the highest standards.
Design Process & Collaboration
Q: What was your process like working with the clients on this project?
It was highly collaborative. We spent time understanding their routines—from a morning coffee at sunrise to game-day celebrations with friends. These moments became the foundation of the design, ensuring the alfresco space didn’t just look beautiful but reflected their lifestyle and daily rituals. Our clients lead very busy lives, so clear communication was essential. By producing highly detailed, in-studio 3D CGI renderings, we were able to present concepts in a way that went far beyond flat 2D drawings. This immersive approach allowed them to visualise every element of the design with precision and confidence, ensuring decisions were made quickly and collaboratively. This process not only saved time but also built trust, giving our clients certainty that the finished space would align perfectly with their vision.
Q: How important is collaboration with material suppliers (like Studio Porcelain) in executing a design of this calibre?
Collaboration is essential. Having complete trust in the quality and expertise of suppliers like Studio Porcelain gave us the freedom to design without compromise.
When the materials perform as beautifully as they present, the vision is fully realised.
Trends & Insights
Q: Do you see a growing trend in using porcelain panels like Laminam for indoor-outdoor living spaces?
Absolutely. Porcelain panels like Laminam allow designers to blur the lines between inside and out, creating a continuity of finish and experience. They offer both the resilience and refinement needed for contemporary lifestyles.
Q: What advice would you give to other designers or homeowners considering Laminam for similar projects?
Think of Laminam not just as a surface, but as a design tool. Its true strength lies in its ability to deliver seamless detailing, outstanding durability, and timeless beauty. When you choose it for its performance first, the elegance and refinement naturally follow.With varying thicknesses available across most colours, Laminam offers extraordinary flexibility. It can be applied to virtually any surface—floors, walls, joinery, and benchtops—allowing for a consistent material language throughout a project. This opens up endless design opportunities, enabling a level of cohesion and creativity that’s hard to achieve with other materials.Whether you’re creating a statement alfresco kitchen, a subtle interior feature, or a space where indoor and outdoor living flow together, Laminam allows you to push boundaries while knowing the material will stand the test of time, both structurally and aesthetically.
Laminam surface used in this project was Fokos Sale and Pietra Di Savoia Grigia – order a sample of this colour or any other Laminam colour here.
